2012 Toyota Tacoma: Video Road Test and Review

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck that can be had in Regular, Access and Double cab configurations.  The latter two add an extra set of rear doors to allow for easier access to the vehicle's extended passenger compartment (a bench seat that offers three seating positions behind the driver and front passengers).  The Toyota Tacoma can also be had with a six-foot cargo bed (standard on Regular and Access cab body styles, optional with the Double cab) and a five-foot bed (standard for Double cab trucks).

The Toyota Tacoma starts out with a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine under the hood that offers up 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque while returning fuel mileage of 19-mpg city and 24-mpg highway.  A five-speed manual transmission is standard while a four-speed automatic can be added as an option.  A 4.0-liter V-6 is also available with the Tacoma, and this unit grinds out 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque while maintaining competitive fuel economy figures of 17-mpg city and 21-mpg highway.  A six-speed manual transmission comes free of charge with the six-cylinder engine while a five-speed autobox can be specified if desired.  Both Tacoma motors can also be had with available four-wheel drive.

The Toyota Tacoma's base model Regular cab (MSRP $16,875) offers air conditioning, cloth seats, a CD player, satellite radio, a limited-slip rear differential and 15-inch steel wheels.  The base Access cab (MSRP $19,665) swaps in front buckets for the Regular cab's bench, includes power windows and door locks and also features a louder stereo, while the entry-level Double cab (MSRP $22,175) comes with power mirrors, yet another stereo system, Bluetooth connectivity and 16-inch wheels.

Like most trucks the Toyota Tacoma is available with an extensive list of options and packages that can configure the vehicle to match the specific needs of each buyer.  Highlights for the Tacoma include the SR5 package (chrome exterior trim, fog lights, a rearview camera), the Convenience package (keyless entry, tinted windows, cruise control, sliding rear window), the TRD Off-Road package (trail-ready suspension system, skid plates, grippy sport seats, taller ride height) and the X-Runner group of features (lowered street performance suspension, 18-inch rims, body-color trim, aero package).  Certain editions of the Tacoma can also be equipped with a navigation system, the Entune multimedia and communications interface and a rearview camera.

A list of cars similar to the Tacoma includes the 2012 Nissan Frontier, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and 2011 Dodge Dakota.

See more details about the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.